Eligible interns are full-time graduate students enrolled in, or postdoctoral fellows working in, a Canadian participating institution in any area of research, including natural science, engineering, economy, social science, health, environment and ethics, provided that their skills are sought by the participating firm to support its innovation process. Interns are paid by stipends through the financial systems of their respective institutions. Interns need not be a Canadian citizen; foreign students and permanent residents are eligible.

A maximum of two NCE IRDI internships are allowed for any individual over the course of their entire academic and post academic career.

Eligible participating institutions are Canadian universities with a mandate for research and their affiliated institutions, including hospitals and research institutes, that are eligible to receive funds from any of the federal granting agencies, and who enroll or otherwise give academic status to eligible interns.

Now more than ever, Canadian companies must innovate to compete in the global marketplace. Research and development play key roles in innovation, and can lead to new and improved products, technologies, knowledge and services.

Connect Canada offers a cost-effective way for companies to engage in advanced R&D. Regardless of the sector or location across the country, Connect Canada can help companies find a graduate student or post-doctoral fellow who can help resolve the most pressing R&D issue. An investment of $5,000, the cost to secure a Connect Canada intern, could pay for itself multiple times depending on the outcome of the project. The company’s $5,000 investment is matched by a $5,000 contribution from Connect Canada, providing total funding of $10,000 to the intern.

Connect Canada takes no ownership of intellectual property generated through a placement. Intellectual property agreements are to be determined by the terms of the intern’s home university, unless a separate agreement is negotiated between the university, the researchers and the sponsoring company.

It can be a challenge to gain industry experience while working on a graduate degree. Connect Canada internships offer the best of both worlds by providing four-to-six month placements. Each internship focuses on a R&D issue, allowing interns to apply the knowledge from their academic studies in an industry setting. Interns spend at least 50 per cent of the placement working at the company and the remainder at their home university.

Participation in Connect Canada is also a great way to find potential employees. Connect Canada interns not only bring research expertise, but also gain insight to your organization. For complete details, please see the Connect Canada program guide.